The time has come that environmental issues are addressed through micro development initiatives with the involvement of communities. Introduction of effective efficient quality control systems is necessary to prevent overuse, underuse, abuse, misuse of natural resources, improve effectiveness, efficiency and bring in accountability in the utilisation of natural resources. Triangulation needs to be done of resource profiles published by the government, communities prioritizing their immediate problems based on the ground realities and local decision making.

The agricultural economy of the country is threatened as more and more small and marginal farmers are selling their meager landholdings to become agricultural workers and some turning casual workers. The steep rise in inputs and uncertainty over water availability and inadequate procurement price for food grains are among the factors that drive out farmers from their basic calling. Agriculture remaining unprofitable many cultivators are forced to give up farming. What is ironical is that when the scope for agriculture is shrinking, the number of agricultural workers is on the rise.

Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSSs) of Trichy, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Madurai, Sivagangai, Dindigul, Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur, and Nilgiris in Tamilnadu are doing tremendous work among the community for the welfare of the downtrodden. Their analysis based on experiences has brought out the following issues that are directly impacting the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable: Changes in water regime, Shift in ownership of management of natural resources, decline in the  health of watershed, unfriendly programmes and policies of the Government, crop change over, land issues, increased health issues, land alienation of  the people  in the name of development project, land degradation in terms of  soil infertility and low productivity , topsoil erosion due to mono-cropping pattern,  deforestation,environmental degradation and depletion of animal population / livestock.

These issues are addressed in a piecemeal approach and the realization has come during the collective workshop that the issue must be responded through a comprehensive strategy. The evolution of this cluster programme called THULIR  (Addressing Land and Water Issues) covering the central Tamil Nadu is the offshoot of this collective thinking.
It took shape as a programme since 1^st of January, 2018.

The first Review Meeting on this cluster initiative was held at CEEMA, Erode on 19^th September 2018. It was attended by the Diocesan Directors and Managerial staff representing 10 DSSSs. Each of the partners made the presentation focusing on programme interventions, inclusions, innovations, information, challenges, and learnings.

It was facilitated by Dr. John Arokiaraj, Caritas India Thematic Manager and  Tamil Nadu State Officer. He explained the evolution of the programme which is implemented in 14 districts through 10 partners from 8 Dioceses that includes 135 villages in 65 panchayats under 14 blocks. “As development practitioners, we should rely on realistic data that emerge from the field. Through this programme we should create land and water protection movement focusing on inclusive strategy” he said.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India enlightened the participants with his critical feedback and appreciating the tremendous efforts put in by 3 of the partner organisations. “Serious issues of large-scale should be addressed through campaign mode” he emphasised. He continued saying that volunteerism is encouraged to create sustainability and as informed by the DSSSs, the 20 core volunteer leaders from each DSSS can be capacitated and encouraged to lead other volunteers for sustaining the initiatives and make it as a people-centered programme.

The presentation of Ms.Supraha of USSS was appreciated for articulation and capturing the outcomes, Ms.Amalorpava Rani of PMSSS for giving inspiration and motivation to the members and  Mr.Bosco of DMSSS for need-based follow up of previous interventions and documentation of information.

Fr.Arockisamy, Assistant Director of Regional Forum – TASOSS said that when we address issue based programmes, the process is more important and we have to strategise our activities. “ We should build on small successes and need not expect to achieve 100% results at once; even failures are part of the learning process” he continued.

Formation and effective functioning of community structures like farmers clubs, SHGs, Producers company and Village Land and Water Committees (VLWC), School awareness programmes, Creation of models for rainwater harvesting and agroforestry, sustainable farming practices, capacity building initiatives, linkages with Government institutions, land reclamation and renewal of water bodies, involvement of PRI,  completion of activities as per the set timeline are well appreciated.

During this review meeting, 3 booklets on Sustainable Agricultural Practices published by CEEMA under the leadership of Fr.Pushpanathan  were released.